Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1532977
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 5 MARCH 2025 NEWS ATLAS Insurance and SOS Mal- ta inaugurated their three-year initiative to integrate virtual re- ality (VR) technology into the curricula of two independent schools and one church school. This project provides VR equip- ment, educational resources and training to enable students to ex- plore scenarios and concepts by simulating real-world experienc- es, deepening their engagement and understanding of complex subjects. Furthermore, any addi- tional content generated through this initiative will be made availa- ble to all local schools making use of the ClassVR software. The launch event was hosted at St. Edward's College, one of the participating schools, and was attended by students and teach- ers from the other schools, St. Martin's College and St. Jeanne Antide College, officially cele- brating the use of the first fully dedicated end-to-end classroom VR system, ClassVR, which has been approved by the education- al authorities in Malta. SOS Malta, in conjunction with Robocoach, is managing this project by circulating VR con- tent and supporting materials aligned with the national learn- ing outcomes. Funded by the Atlas Community Involvement Fund, this initiative represents a remarkable coming together of NGOs, educational institutions, and the corporate world. "At Atlas, we view education as the cornerstone of a thriving society," commented Catherine Calleja, Executive Director and Chair of the Atlas Insurance Community Involvement Com- mittee. "Through our Com- munity Involvement Fund, we actively support projects that create meaningful impacts, par- ticularly in areas where Malta faces challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We are proud to support this VR project that not only enhances the educational experience by aligning with the curriculum but also advances SDG 4 for Quality Education and has the potential to tackle Reduced Inequalities." Graziella Schiavone, Head of Finance Operations at SOS Mal- ta, stated: "SOS Malta is excit- ed to launch this innovative VR project, which has been made possible through the support of Atlas, who approved and fund- ed this initiative. By equipping three schools - independent and church schools - with VR sets, we aim to transform the learning experience by integrating immer- sive, locally developed content into subjects such as geography, science, ethics and healthcare. This project will allow students to engage with lessons in a more interactive and dynamic way, making concepts more tangible and enriching their overall edu- cational journey." This key initiative showcases the power of partnership in fos- tering educational innovation. By bringing together the exper- tise of SOS Malta and Robo- coach, the support of the corpo- rate sector, and the commitment of educational institutions, this project will give private and in- dependent schools in Malta ac- cess to this technology which is already available in the state sec- tor. Looking forward to the posi- tive changes that this project will bring to educational practices and outcomes, all the stakehold- ers remain committed to further enhancing students' learning ex- periences. Atlas Insurance and SOS Malta launch VR education initiative in Maltese schools HSBC Malta Foundation supports K-9 Urban Search and Rescue Malta HSBC Malta Foundation has announced it is supporting K-9 Urban Search and Rescue Malta (K-9 USAR Malta), a dedicated non-profit organisation commit- ted to training highly specialised search and rescue dogs for disas- ter response. As part of its ongoing commit- ment to community resilience and emergency preparedness, HSBC Malta Foundation is making a do- nation to support the NGO's vital work in saving lives and providing critical assistance during natural and man-made disasters. K-9 US- AR Malta is a volunteer-based or- ganisation that plays a crucial role in Malta's emergency response network. Through rigorous training pro- grammes, the NGO ensures that its search and rescue teams are prepared to locate missing per- sons in disaster-stricken areas, whether caused by earthquakes, building collapses, or other emer- gencies. The organisation collaborates closely with local authorities and first responders, including the Civil Protection Department, the Armed Forces of Malta, and med- ical personnel, to enhance search and rescue operations across the country. In addition to its life-saving ef- forts, K-9 USAR Malta is actively involved in community outreach, raising awareness about disaster preparedness and the importance of search and rescue operations. The organisation also offers therapy dog services, providing comfort and companionship to vulnerable members of society, including the elderly and hospital patients. HSBC Malta Foundation's sup- port for K-9 USAR Malta aligns with its broader mission to invest in social impact initiatives that strengthen communities and en- hance public safety. This contribution will assist the NGO in maintaining its rigorous training programmes, acquiring essential equipment, and ensuring that both handlers and dogs are well-prepared for real-world res- cue scenarios. Furthermore, K-9 USAR Malta has committed to engaging with HSBC employees and the wider community through educational demonstrations and public awareness campaigns. Representatives of the K-9 USAR Malta, a dedicated non-profit organisation committed to training highly specialised search and rescue dogs for disaster response